Hanging by a Moment
- Finding Nick
Chapter Six
Author: Jen
Authors Note: First & foremost a huge thanks to all who replied the last time & hopefully this chapter lives up to your expectations! It's a corker in a different way, I only hope it works!
And this is the ground work for what has yet to come so although Nick is alive he is no where near out the woods yet!!! By a long chalk more to point, I also hope the ending is not to confusing & I have Catherine sort of sharing part of Nick's load as he is not quite himself yet.
Please read & enjoy as I have sort of put already there is more than one bad guy and it's still fifty/fifty to who the other bad guy is. However I hope this really does live up to expectations, as there is a lot going on in this chapter with it being shared between Sara/Warrick/Catherine & of course Nick.
Plus if I ever get it anywhere near done there is still some surprises in store & a cliffhanger plus I still got the family storyline along with a father/son storyline with a twist and a half to deal with yet! So this is just a building chapter, with some thrills!!!
Anyway I really want this to work, for it's a great story & hopefully a great read as well, it goes kind of dark at end again but it was only because I had too!
Alright enough pro-form and here really goes nothing & these characters in no way belong to me, they belong to CBS, the powers that be & the actors who play them & I'm just wanting to add to that & try and get the heart and soul which makes CSI what it is!!!!
N/S & G/C plus look out for one new little character for he has had one heck of a wait!!!
Jen
Prologue
Life is but a moment;
We are but grains of sand, adrift under the stars…
Time the only continuum; and sometimes what was once
Thought lost is returned…
A stranger to us, as we are to it, unfamiliar and desolate
Changed beyond recognition - a stranger to us still…
Yet it is bound to us.
As we are to the stars; for it is the bond which encircles us…
…and if that bond is strong enough, that what was once lost,
Shall be made whole - but even that comes at a price …
The piercing cry filled the room her heart lurched at that sound; as the hand which had tightly gripped hers fell from her grasp. Dawn light etched across the room. Sara Sidle's dark starlight eyes slowly opened in that moment…
As the cry redoubled; the cry of a son, already crying for a father who was not there….as she took a breath. Her thoughts thinking only of him the man who was not here - to share this with her as her gaze re-adjusted.
Taking in all that was happening around her; as there child. His son was carefully and gently placed into her arms, the ting form's cry diminishing in that moment; she smiled watching this little lives; first movements it entranced her…..
Her hand coming up at that moment to gently touch the cheek of the baby lying contentedly in her arms; the creamy skin delicate and soft, as the tiny hand moved with her touch. Her smile blossoming in that moment, taking in the wisps of brown hair as she gently kissed the fore-head…
…Before tenderly going back to take in every tiny detail of the baby in her arms. The exhaustion of the birth past; her dark eyes resting lovingly on the little live, who was taking up all her attention as she now let her son, feed for the first. The tiny form neutering the nipple at the full breast…
It hurt but only a little, as the baby, continued to feed; her gaze going back at that to the individual and person who had held her hand throughout this; her colleague as there gaze met. It needed no words.
As Warrick Brown sent her a smile she sent the same one back giving the hand which had held hers; a squeeze before her gaze, returned to where it had been….
The baby giving a, content sigh in that moment the feed finished; as the eye lids flickered, before opening fully. The brown warm eyes focused only on her; in that moment– and that they were already that distinct shade of brown….with this little live, taking in all that was around him; as she looked deep into those soft still brown pools.
Which had come from; only one place…..
Her dark eyes closing in that moment thinking of him, before slowly opening, looking once more into those brown warm eyes of - there son, whose gaze was tenderly on her.
Tears threatening to overwhelm her again; as she took in the look across those tiny features - the part of him which was left to her; guilt flooding through her in that moment….
A tear running freely down her cheek at that thought. With the tiny features turning from the serious look she had been receiving to quizzical with there somehow being, a look of understanding in those warm brown eyes….
As Warrick now tried to gently divert her thoughts, touching her shoulder in support:
'You're going to have your work cut out for you Sara'
His hand gently touched Sara's shoulder in that moment – the women beside him now sending him a glance, as there gaze met …
With Sara's dark intelligent gaze returning to where it had been.
To the little live - for a moment not replying to Warrick's words as her gaze moved in that moment to dawn light… which now completely filled this room her thoughts going inwards at that moment.
As her dark eyes closed before slowly opening; her gaze etched on that light which encircled this room…. her thoughts becoming one looking again at the tiny form asleep in her arms….
With Warrick's words being the first words between them; since this little lives arrival, as she now played on the look, which was across her colleague's features as she sent him a smile.
Replying, to that comment:
'I would not want it any other way Warrick'
The dark eyes again sent him a glance before moving back; his own gaze staying at that on the independent women beside him, taking in at that moment also. The close intimate bond between mother and child….
….For a moment more his gaze held on the little form, cradled peacefully in Sara's arms as his gaze now like Sara's moments before. Went to the dawn light; as he looked at the rising sun and the light making a connection in that moment….
As his gaze moved at that moment back to Sara and the baby in her arms; and the look which was across the fine features of his colleague. There was a full smile there, something he had not seen across those gentle features in a long time and how much the baby in Sara's arms meant….and to not only Sara….
For it was what that cry a few moments ago had given him….
Something he had thought gone; and more importantly it was something that he had not felt in these months since that fatal day - till now….
As he now voiced it carefully in a different way:
'He has your spirit Sara but the rest comes from elsewhere. He sure is cute any roads'
His colleague planted him a smile; as he added one further comment:
'Plus he's got his fathers lungs by the looks of it'
For a moment nothing was said his; with Sara's dark eyes sending him another look. The smile now broadening, across his colleague's features as his gaze went from the little scene in front of him, to Las Vegas which was shining in the early morning sun and that this scene…
….Was something so special and unique; for it was something miles from the tandem and modality of everyday live. As he now made a further connection in that moment, for it was something which was somehow connected to Nick….
….For this was no ordinary date either; for it was not only the beginning of July. It was the Fourth of July: Independence Day and there was significance in that. As he looked again at Sara and the baby in her arms…the brown soft eyes blessing him with a look in that moment….
As he now asked something of importance:
'You got a name for this little fellow yet Sara?'
The question crossed her thoughts her gaze remaining tenderly, on the little live who was taking up all of her attention. As those brown eyes once more flickered, open at that moment a yawn also escalating across those dainty features before the look turned serious.
She smiled the brown warm eyes meeting her own; and that there was only one name she could give this child…for it belonged to the vulnerable strong man who she loved, whose heart beat one with hers…as the tiny features changed the serious look gone instead there was a hint of a smile there.
As she now softly voiced the full name; a tear running down her cheek in that same moment:
'Nicholas Stokes'
The brown eyes glinted into hers in that moment also as; she now affectionately shortened it – to the name which belonged only to this little boy's father, a smile coming to her features at that moment her thought's one….
As the brown gentle warm eyes of his son kept there steady gaze on her as if reading her every thought:
'Nicky'
The features again in that moment giving her that serious look in response, a different smile tugging across her own features at that look as Warrick replied:
'Nice name Sara'
There gaze met - the women beside him turning her attention lovingly back to the little form cradled in her arms and who held both of there attention and the look which was now. Back across those tiny features - there was a hint of smile again as his thoughts found voice:
'I think Nicky here is in agreement'
Sara's gaze meeting his again at that a smile once more crossing her features before the women at his side. Dark starlight gaze fell once more to where they had been; as he looked once more between the two his thoughts shifting in that moment…
Seeing the look on Sara's features and though the fine features were still pale. The dark starlight eyes were vibrant; the fire in them renewed with this little live; helping to ease some of the pain which lay deep in those dark starlight eyes…
….As his gaze stayed on Sara with this little boy, who lay contently in his mother's arms and who was named after his father; would continue to depend on her… as his gaze now shifted between mother and child and the tenderness there and what he could not help but feel at this moment….
That it should be someone else standing here now….
Someone's rightful place and that individual would be there for Sara in a way he could not be.
As his thoughts stayed there thinking of that individual, a person still missing; and that what he had felt months ago in a darkened apartment….
Was something he now felt, in a different way, that it seemed neither right nor fair that Nick had not lived to see this; as those soft brown eyes of Nick's own son - looked once more into his…
….With it being that same plain, of thought which was with him now these years later. As he looked at the five year old who sat beside him. The brown warm eyes for the moment focused on the monitor, as the boy now turned to face his way the brown hair slightly ruffled giving him that smile:
'Beat you again Warrick'
The tone was soft and enthusiastic there gaze met, the smile broadening in that moment across those defined features:
'Next game's yours Warrick'
The brown warm eyes once more sent him a glance looking for a reply, the golden smile staying in place also; he smiled back taking in the look not commenting straight away and that this boy who stood at his knee height…..
Was the gallant mixture of both his parents; with him inheriting among other things his mother's spirit and her curiosity something which had stood him in good stead and that like his mother, also...
….This brown eyed energetic - five year old could hurtle a comment out of nowhere at you; and combined with it in those moments. Was the humour and wit which had been his fathers and it was something which when the moment called for it; could lighten up any situation and warm any heart…
As he looked once more at the boy who sat beside him the brown gentle eyes once more looking into his as he for - not the first time took in the strong resemblance there, to his father.
Before replying giving the five year old a serious look:
'Who says there's going to be another game Nicky?'
The brown warm eyes turned to shear innocence in that moment, the set features turning serious and that there was a look of disbelief across those features. As he now played of the look in the brown eyes - by once more at the last moment starting the games console.
A smile playing back across the young strong features in that moment; as he again took in the look in the brown warm eyes. With there now being a look of stubborn determination - also on the young set features and like everyone else:
He knew which one of his parents this boy took most after; something which in itself had been inevitable. For it was not only in the fact. That it was who he had been named after…..his own features turning somber in that moment; and maybe it was because Nick was not there it was seen so much.
Yet it went beyond that; for it was not only that this little boy looked so much like him, it was the fact that this, enthusiastic five year old…
….Had his father's warmth of personality and heart and what could be seen at this moment the mannerisms and gestures which belonged only to his father - something which brought a smile to his own features and though there was a little resemblance to Sara in those strong features….
It was the underlying look of the individual.
Who this boy had not once seen or known which resided there; and that it was something that had brought to each of them both great joy and pain seeing this little boy grow up.
His gaze at that turning back to the charismatic kid at his side; and one other thing he was certain of for it was without doubt what this boy had inherited from his father. That he was forever without fail; landing himself in trouble or one scrape or other…
With Nicky Stokes like both his parents; making these labs where they were now, his home and that he was a welcome if not cheerful sight here. Where he more often that not caused as much mayhem and commotion as any five year old could; for it was something immeasurable in its own right…
….That serious but easy going nature off his - and what it was combined with the innocent sensitive edge which seemed only to belong to him as a smile - came to his, own features….
The brown eyes once more sending, him a look at that moment. As though he had been reading his thoughts; as he now temporarily paid close attention to the computer game, trying to catch his opponent out - something which was, not proving too easy….
His own thoughts turning inwards as he looked once more to the boy who sat happily beside him; whose thoughts and concentration were elsewhere. As his own thoughts now magnified thinking of this boy's mother and his colleague – Sara Sidle…
That she had as a single mother; done the work of two and that she had in every way put this little boy first. That he was the center of her live with Sara; bringing him up in every way possible to know Nick - with no one else filling this boy's father's place…
…..Sara remaining true to Nick, in the way he would have done to her; and it was the bringing up of her son, which Sara had put first above all else. As he looked again at the five year old who sat beside him - and like everyone else.
He knew the guilt Sara could not help but feel….
For it was something they all felt in a different way and that it had irretrievably only grown with the years - for the man who should have been there at her side to see this and that like Greg…he had become a surrogate father to this kid.
As he looked again at the boy beside him; and what he was aware of for it was something he could not help but feel…. that he fell a long way short to the man who was this boy's father; and that Nick's last words to him….
That he owed him one big time.
Was something which did not involve - the bringing up, of his son for this was something; he would have done without question, his gaze falling without thinking, to look once more…into those brown soft innocent eyes; of the five year old beside him, and what was clear now….
Something unchanged unlike the faces which had come and gone in these labs; with Greg now being a CSI three in his own right and what he knew with regret and sadness - for it was something he seen in the boy beside him and had been part of his father also.
That when it came to the same level of competition and skill….
…There had only ever been one individual in the same league as him Warrick Brown; and that was Nick Stokes with no one else coming anywhere near close and though Nick's methods and ways had been completely different, he had never the less got there sometimes outdoing him in the process….
As his thoughts rebounded coming to the present at that moment; and that he still owed Nick big time – as he looked at the five year old beside him, turning his attention back to the game at that moment; where this five year old, like his father had a gift for this sort of thing….
….His thoughts playing on that; and that he was a bright kid for all his age. As his thought's clouded at that moment; looking at the serious look in those brown warm eyes, for it was something which brought new pain….
To what this little boy had been protected from - to what had happened to his father and what his own thoughts were….
That time had only welded the evidence plus its outcome. Yet it was something even now he refused to take as fact; and the Texan. The man who he had looked upon as a younger brother; and who had been his fiercest competitor was still missing….
…..With no body turning up; and it was something he was thankful for. As he looked at the boy beside him and what went with that. The hope which lay unspoken and entwined with this five year old beside him….
As his thoughts dwindled to all that there investigation in his colleague's name had lead, the pain and legacy which went with it and to Nick's family in Dallas, a family which Sara had kept in contact with – and something re-forged in a different way with this child….
With the stand off remaining between them and Ryan Stokes for it was incoherently hinged - with the decadence and absolution of there investigation; and of what Sara, like this boy beside him were unaware off.
That twice before Gil; had sent Catherine once to Boston and once to Dallas in the blind hope of finding Nick alive. With neither of those times bringing any success and the only other thing which had changed on that front - something Sara was aware off. …
….For it was something that had brought them no answers for any truth had died with him – that Matthew Garrett the individual who Ryan Stokes had taken down and the man held responsible for his missing colleague was dead….
His thoughts coming to an abrupt halt at that, as his attention was flung into the present - to the monitor. Seeing he was winning, something which did not happen to often; however it was the look on his opponents features which was drawing his attention more.
As the boy beside him now stopped playing completely; looking his way instead, the brown eyes giving him a look of fear also as the five year jumped agilely at that moment to his feet, coming up beside him also. As a sharp voice filled the small room:
'Not got anything better to do Warrick?'
For a moment he did not turn to look to the person who had spoken, instead his gaze stayed on Nicky Stokes. The boy's eyes once, more meeting his at that moment, in a ting gesture of support as he now turned to face the individual who had spoken.
It was Ecklie he stood articulately at the open door. As he now carefully replied looking beyond one Conrad Ecklie - to Gil's office, way at the opposite end of the long corridor, it was all dark.
As his own tone now tried to lighten the sharpness of that comment; which had been given - and at the same time speak to the boy beside him:
'Depends what you call better Ecklie and Nicky here could give you a fair run for your money is that not right?'
The boy beside him nodded giving him a puzzled look; aware that there was something else a foot. As the brown eyes shifted of him back onto to Ecklie's pasty features; to see what was coming next.
As Ecklie gave the boy beside him a deadly look, the tone curt:
'Not heard from Catherine yet?'
It was a question directed at him but it ran far deeper, with the little boy beside him picking, up on it as his own gaze dropped to the five year old. His thoughts once more turning inwards as he - shifted a look at Ecklie.
For it was something this boy's mother was also unaware off; the real reason why Catherine was in Dallas now…on a missing person case - the one in his colleague's name; as he looked again at the boy beside him and that it had been for both there sake's that Gil had left it that way….
…..With Grissom playing a hunch something itself once unheard off; and that this one was also long chalk and what he himself felt. That this missing person; was different from those times before and that there was a small chance minimal though it was…
That Nicky Stokes his once colleague and friend was still out there - with Greg's words years before remaining and though they had not found him; he like the rest of the team had not given up hope this boy beside him adding to that.
As his thoughts broke at that moment; his gaze staying where it was - for the record, stated otherwise….
….That Nick was dead, his name remaining as a missing person by default. With everything they had as evidence backing that up; and what went with it - that there had been no closure…
His gaze shifting at that to the boy who stood between him and Ecklie his thought's grinding at that moment, taking in once more the look in those warm brown eyes; and the one further thought one - beyond his usual perimeter of thinking…for it went against the odds but belonged intangibly with that Texan. …
That maybe Nick was -alive….
As his gaze came to meet Ecklie's his features turning serious the thought meandering also; wondering in that same moment, why Ecklie was so interested in what Catherine was doing in Dallas….
His gaze shifting once more back to Nicky Stokes the brown eyes glanced into his, as though he had been thinking the same sort of thing; as he now replied his thoughts one, the boy catching the tone of his words:
'We've not heard from Catherine Ecklie'
There gaze crossed. He continued:
'Not that it's any of your business anyway.'
There was a pause. With his words only being a half truth; that Catherine had phoned to tell them she had arrived safely in Dallas – something now two days past. With there being no word from her since…something which he knew had Grissom worried…
That it was not like the red-head; as Nicky Stokes brown eyes once more drifted back of Ecklie at that moment. The boy sending him a grin aware of what he was doing - as his own thoughts collaborated at that moment; and that if Gil's hunch…
One which was based neither on science or theory but human nature; were in anyway correct….
Then the investigation in his colleague's name - what had lead, them to Dallas Nick's family. His late father, Ryan Stokes; and Matthew Garrett would once more wide open and what went with it…..
….As his thoughts cascaded in that moment; his emotions clashing. The possibility that Garrett a man know dead may not have worked alone with the implications - being too far reaching and what he knew looking at this boy beside him….
That even if this missing person was Nick - then he would not be the individual he once knew as Ecklie again spoke:
'Some people have the right to know Warrick'
The tone was dark and cold, as Ecklie now gave a thin smile - it was directed specifically at the boy who stood between them; as he now protectively touched Nicky's shoulder.
Bringing the boy closer to him; away from Ecklie - silence filling the air in that moment….
Ecklie continuing to glance between them; before moving away from the open door moving out there sight; the thin smile staying, across those pasty features and that his words had been enough….
With Nicky Stokes brown eyes falling back onto him; there was a look of puzzlement and fear in those soft brown pools, the features turning serious in that moment as the boy at his side – voiced what both there thought's were.
The tone soft:
'I hate that guy Warrick'
There gaze met. The brown warm eyes looked innocently into his; the smile returning to those defined features with Nicky Stokes - making nothing more of Ecklie's words. As he once more took in the look across those strong features; and what was with him at this moment….
...That for a moment there, it was no longer a five year old beside him; but this boy's father as his gaze remained where it was his thoughts gliding back, to where they had been; as the boy continued to look his way….
Nicky Stokes taking his hand at that moment; smiling with the boy beside him, trying to divert his thoughts. Something he was unable to do; as the brown eyes again sent him a look, the golden smile playing again of those features.
As his thoughts went into free fall, thinking of Catherine wondering again in that moment; how his colleague was doing in Dallas and if the individual…the person who Gil's hunch was based on….
Was, the man and friend he once knew – Nick Stokes….
Catherine Grissom's blue ocean eyes lifted her gaze staying where it was; as the other customers in this café - went back to what they had been doing. As her own gaze stayed fixed where it was; taking in the individual who stood just inside the café door.
Feeling her breath catch in that moment, as her blue eyes slowly took time and precision - to fully acquaint the image of the man who stood before her:
The handsome features were pale and withdrawn; half hidden under the baseball hat which covered the brown hair. The gait nervous; and that he was of medium height and athletic build, as she took in the slight slump of the shoulders.
With the denim jeans and green checked shirt adding to it - giving a faintly disheveled look; her gaze at that, seeing the rucksack on his back and the slight stubble across the square jaw line.
As the person stood not moving from the spot; as the brown soft eyes for a moment looked her way, addressing her. As someone now nudged the individual, pushing him forward.
The brown warm eyes meeting her own in that moment, acknowledging her fully as she sent him a smile; seeing in that moment also, a glimpse of what was going on behind there, that he was searching her - as she was him.
Her blue eyes not wavering; as the brown eyes continued to look her way for a moment more and what was apparent at this moment…..that he in no way recognized her. That she was a stranger to him - as she again took in the nervousness of his movements….
Watching him place his order; at that moment.
As she now stepped forward for a moment more - holding back seeing the head bow as if in thought. The set features turning serious; and that the individual in his late thirties was ignoring the waitress, who was trying her best to catch his eye as she now made her way forward.
Seeing him reach for his wallet, with professional conduct giving away to emotion as she drew close and what at this moment she was sure off; that it was the missing person she had been looking for…
Her hand lightly touching the shoulder - at that moment, with him turning a little too quickly to face her; feeling him quake at her touch. Her hand still resting on the shoulder as her blue ocean eyes stayed, on those soft brown ones.
With her thoughts and emotions finding voice:
'I'll get that Nicky'
There was a pause as she seen the fear which shone in the brown eyes grow and that there was a clear look of confusion there also. As he now stepped back away from her, putting the rucksack back on his shoulder. The brown eyes glanced into hers, the tone insensitive:
'It's just Nick'
For a moment there gaze met at that, the individual beside; her growing more nervous as the waitress looked between them. Her blue eyes falling back onto him at that moment with neither or them speaking; the look of fear subsiding slightly in those brown eyes.
As she took things into her own hands, paying for the food; as he carefully with no further comment, put the wallet back into his pocket, the brown warm eyes staying on her though - watching her every move…
…..His gaze falling to the open bag and the picture there as she now turned to face him; the head rising, at that moment a different look across those handsome features as, she fixed him a look this time receiving a grin.
With them both turning to the food at the same moment; letting him lift it a smile coming to her, own features as she tried to now calm him:
'Mind if we talk Nick Stokes'
The brown eyes shifted her a glare, as she now stayed where she was letting him consider her for a moment; the look once more changing across those handsome features, the brown eyes darkening as he nodded her way.
There gaze remaining set on each other for a moment more before taking a seat; as she watched him discard the rucksack, silence once more filling the gap, with him not touching the hot food.
The brown eyes sending her a direct look, at that; as he now touched some of the food, the movements slow and what it told her - that it confirmed something; as he now stopped asking the one thing which she knew he would:
'How do you know my name?'
It was the gentlest of tones as the brown soft eyes looked for a moment deep in to her own as she replied, lifting the missing person file and fountain pen at the same time:
'The same way you do Nick'
There gaze met, as she now carefully addressed him formally:
'Catherine Grissom Las Vegas crime labs'
The brown eyes sent her a blank look as he replied:
'Am I under arrest or something ma'am?'
A smile broke across her features, without meaning too; there gaze meeting. With the brown eyes sending her a serious look at that moment, as she breached the subject:
'No Nick but I was wondering if you would mind telling me where you got that silver ring your wearing?'
The brown eyes glanced for a moment into hers – before slowly falling. Her blue ocean eyes locking onto the silver ring at that moment; and the deep significance that one small possession held.
For it had helped find him - as she voiced it in a different way; watching him cover his hand in that moment:
'It was your grandfathers Nick'
There was a pause; and that her words had shaken him, the brown eyes softening. As he now slowly took the baseball hat off. The left hand going through the short brown hair as her gaze took in the scar on the left temple; it ran deep into the hair line.
Her gaze unable to move off it; as the brown eyes for a moment looked clearly into her own, her blue eyes moving at that, to the visible scar on the left wrist as her thoughts found voice:
'You don't wear a watch Nick'
The brown eyes shifted her - a direct glance, shaking his head in answer, questioning her in that same moment; and that he had caught. That it was something which had upset her:
'Why are you asking ma'am?'
His gaze diverting; off her.
To look around him - as she took in the look in those warm brown eyes and across the handsome set features.
As she tried to now draw his attention:
'Call me Catherine Nick'
She smiled her features like his turning serious as she took the card from the front of the official file out tossing it across to him.
As her blue eyes watched his response; the brown eyes slowly rising to meet her own, and that for the first time she had his complete attention. As the soft Texan accent drifted across to her:
'I worked with you?'
His gaze gave her a direct look.
For a moment the words hung there, with her making now move to answer the silence answering instead; as her gaze remained steady.
As she now slowly tried to build on the look which was, in those brown warm eyes:
'We worked together and before you came a CSI in Las Vegas; you were a cop here in Dallas where you grew up its in your blood Nick.'
Silence filling the void in that moment as she continued to look his way; the features tensing up and what she knew in herself – that, her words. Had been too much for him to take in; as she seen him now try to steady himself.
Taking a sip of the iced tea before replying, it was a stammer:
'How do you know so much about me?'
The tone hit her heart; the brown eyes searching her. As the confusion heightened in those warm brown eyes with her words - only adding to the clear look of pain which shone in those brown still depths, her thoughts and emotions become one in that moment…..
With the first part of her next words; being fact for it was something she now, had hard evidence off and that it was in the form of medical data:
'You don't remember Nick do you? It was what brought you back here to Dallas though. For you do remember something.'
The brown eyes stayed on her - sensing him tense up in that same moment as he sent her a look it broke her heart; the brown soft eyes now falling away from her, the head bowing in that moment.
Her own emotions surfacing - as she linked his cold gentle hand with her own, his drawing away; at that moment as she placed the fountain pen. What had been a gift from Gil, not long after there marriage into his hand…
…..As she seen his thoughts re-focus and that if she was to make any head-way at all, then it would be in a different way, that she did not want to upset him anymore than she had too.
Seeing the look of puzzlement again and the unformed question in the brown eyes:
'It was a present from my husband'
The brown eyes lifted; she smiled his way as the rich Texan accent drifted across to her:
'Nice gift I guess your husband has good taste.'
It was the same dead-pan tone which he had given earlier; as she looked once more into those warm brown eyes, with her ocean blue eyes sparkling at that moment - unable to hide her amusement at the un-witted humour, of that comment.
With her features like the individual across from her now turning serious again; and that he did not know her….
As she looked at the fountain pen:
'Well that's a matter of opinion Nick; and you can keep the pen but it's not the reason I gave you it'
The handsome features relaxed.
Her gaze giving him a direct look, as she now tried to figure out the best way to put - what she had to say next and that it was the hardest part; as she went for the direct approach:
'You've been missing for a long time Nick and you still have the evidence of what happened to you.'
She paused taking a gamble and that it was indirectly linked to Gil's hunch:
'Mind showing me your wallet'
Her own hand drawing a sheet of note paper across to him at that moment and that like her - he knew she had changed the subject. As he now swapped her, giving her his wallet.
The brown eyes giving her a suspicious look in that moment; as she opened the wallet drawing a card out as she did so. Her gaze looking at the number on the authentic looking card - and what she did know….
That this social security number was only a small piece of the puzzle…..
As she looked once more into those brown eyes:
'It's not yours Nick and it's partly why we have been unable to trace you'
For a moment silence filled the air, his gaze diverting of her as she seen the handsome features stiffen.
The brown soft eyes turning the same shade that they had earlier; the tone serious - and that she had lost whatever fragile ground she had made:
'You sure I'm not under arrest ma'am?'
The look in the brown eyes darkening with him not giving her a chance to answer, his next words clutching her heart:
'Why am I, off interest to you anyway Catherine?'
His gaze met hers.
She flinched at the tone.
With it being the first time he had used her name; as she looked once more into those brown warm eyes that told her - it was Nick….
As her blue eyes for a moment closed, her thoughts focusing on a day long past and which involved this vulnerable strong man; with her blue eyes opening at that moment as her thoughts rebounded to the present.
Her head lifting at that; with the look which had been there moments before in the brown eyes subsiding slightly, as she looked deep into those brown warm eye, her thoughts turning to his family here in Dallas and then to Sara.
As her thoughts once more found voice:
'There is, a lot of people who care about you Nick more than you'll ever know; and you're not under arrest for you've done no wrong to anyone are we clear on that.'
The blue ocean eyes looked clearly into his.
With the red-head continuing to look his way; the words throwing him and that there was something more in those words, as she continued:
'Its part of your nature Nick and even with that scar on your left temple it does not take away from who you are and I'll prove it to you.'
There gaze met he made no move to answer her. His brown eyes instead giving Catherine Grissom a stubborn look with the red-head picking up on it - there gaze maintaining a level stance.
As the independent women across from him now played on that, as she told him something superficial:
'It was my husband's hunch which helped find you Nick and being stubborn seems to be a Stokes trait '
His features turned to a frown his brown eyes briefly shifting to the food he had discarded and the baseball hat and that she had once more in a matter of moments thrown him; as he looked again at his wallet and the social security card which were still in front of her.
As his brown eyes lifted too look into the ocean blue eyes. For a long moment his gaze rested on the red-head. The women again giving him that delicate smile and that she had his trust; as the blue eyes fell to the fountain pen, which he still held in his hand.
There gaze meeting at that moment:
'You want my signature?'
The tone was serious the brown eyes darting of her briefly, before coming to look once more directly into her own. She nodded in answer, the handsome set features shifting her, another look at that.
As he now, with no further comment - scrolled his name on the note paper….
His brown eyes lifted keeping the fountain pen in his hand. As he gingerly handed the piece of note paper over to the red-head; the strong women for a moment no longer, looking his way.
Instead concentrating on what was in front of her.
As she looked at these two signatures right in front of her, one the ink was just drying, the other was an eight year old signature but they were both the same hand writing.
The blue ocean eyes, coming back on to him - at that moment and that there was a different look in them; one that he could, not quite fathom.
As that full smile once more crossed; the red-head's delicate features….
She smiled as a pair of brown eyes searched hers for understanding, Grissom had been right on the hunch that had brought her all the way here to this café on the suburbs of Dallas, it had been a long time coming, a lot had changed in that time as well but it was worth it as she looked in those brown eyes that still did not know her yet.
With there being, a possibility that he might never remember her; and that it did not take away from the fact. She had none the less found him….
As she tried once more too draw his attention:
'Know anything about dimpled ballots Nick?'
He gave the red-head a glance.
The blue eyes looked directly into his, it left no room for manoeuvre; as he now gave her a serious look shaking his head in answer, as his gaze switched back temporarily to the fountain pen.
Sitting it in front of him as he replied:
'Is there any reason why I should ma'am?'
There was a questioning look in the brown eyes as she now with no further comment; handed him back the freshly signed note paper, along with the older signature. There fingertips touching in that moment…as his gaze swept over the signatures, his head lifting at that.
The blue eyes sent him a look, the red-head taking it as her queue:
'No one signature should be the exact same Nick and you just proved, that but it also states for the record, who you are.'
The blue eyes continued to look his way. As his gaze buckled to what she had tossed him earlier. As he slowly lifted the CSI three card up; his brown eyes looking at it as his hand lifted coming up to his left temple.
Keeping it there - before slowly letting his hand drop; his voice shook, as he voiced his next question as he sat the CSI three card back down and that he was once more making it hard for her:
'You've made your point ma'am but where are you going with it?'
She smiled and that it was the question she had wanted him to ask; as she now gave him something to go on:
'You arrived in Dallas just over a week ago Nick; and you caused a little commotion when you did is that not right?'
The blue eyes sparkled, his features for a moment reddening slightly, with the red-head taking his now, silence as omission:
'It was a cadet cop who picked up on your name and it's a pretty familiar surname in these parts; but it was the two things that got his attention in the first place that interested my husband.'
Her gaze stayed level the brown eyes not wavering off her; as she continued giving the facts which had been of interest to Gil:
'It was a woman of your age Nick; and she was on the same greyhound bus as you, one which had travelled from just outside Oklahoma City.'
He looked the red-heads way not saying anything.
As the tone once more changed the blue eyes glinted into his:
'You were doing what you thought was right. Helping someone out and it's something which is simply part of your Nick.'
It was at that moment he cut her off - his tone matching hers:
'Her husband was giving her a hard time'
The brown eyes gave her a sharp look she smiled his way:
'It was a good thing that cadet cop intervened when he did Nick and you have not lost either your charm or your wit - but do you want to know something.'
His head rose the blue ocean eye's played of his:
'What?'
'It was the woman's first name that interested us Nick; and you seem to have the knack of landing yourself into trouble without meaning to.'
There gaze met the brown eyes once more shifted her, a look:
'The woman who you helped out her name was Grace.'
She paused there for a moment; giving him a little time seeing the handsome features whiten, before preceding picking her next words more carefully:
'It was your mothers name and the cadet cop who questioned you at the time.'
The blue eyes met his, her statement holding there - and that she was looking for him to continue, trying to get him to talk:
'I did not give him much to go on Catherine'
There was a moment's pause the red-head smiled, following through on his comment:
'No Nick you did not give him much, but you did give him one thing and he also noticed that silver ring you're wearing.'
The women sent him a direct glance:
'He told his senior cop afterwards about you.'
She stopped looking into the brown eyes for confirmation; and that he had got the just of where she was going, as she now hit him with her main point:
'Max Calder was the senior cop Nick, he was also your work colleague at one time and it was him who contacted my husband Gil Grissom'
He sent the red-head an indirect look, as the blue eyes sparkled:
'My husband is not one to go on a hunch Nick; but he was certain it was you.'
His gaze slid back off her at that moment – the words making him more anxious and that he was making no move to help her out….
The independent woman across from him, not being put off though; as she now placed two official looking documents in front of him, forcing him to lift the fountain pen - as his gaze carefully, studied the two documents in his name.
They were closely similar - as his gaze looked at the date on the top right hand side of both sheets, it was his date of birth and the piece of information. He had given the cadet cop.
As he nervously sat the fountain pen back on the table; noting the different social security numbers on the two documents as, his brown eyes continued to study the data more closely.
With the one on his left hand side differing more as he made - a connection of a different sort, something linked to what he could remember and what the red-head had already mentioned in a different way:
'My parent's Catherine?'
The brown soft eyes focused on her; the tone giving more than the question as his gaze stayed on her and what her heart was now - telling her, that her answer would only add more pain.
As she now slowly answered his question; trying at the same time, to maintain her earlier stance but finding herself unable to:
'There both dead Nick'
The blue eyes looked into his the women hesitating at that moment; as his shoulders slumped forward a little. With the red-head's gaze staying on him - not saying anything more and that she was trying to gage his response.
With her words not surprising him that it was something; he had somehow expected. As there gaze once more met and what he was aware off at this moment. That she was protecting him from something - as Catherine Grissom's soft tone drifted across to him:
'You were hard to track down Nick; but it was not only because of the social security card.'
There was a moment's silence; and that she was again trying to switch subject on him as the red-head once more lifted his wallet. This time looking at its contents:
'Not much here Nick, apart from cash and you don't keep a credit or debit card.'
He sent her a glance not commenting, as she smiled his way:
'You don't have a mobile phone plus you don't drive either, because of that gash on your head.'
There gaze met as his brown eyes fell once more.
Silence descending again between them with the blue ocean eyes staying focused on him, with the women across from him. Picking that moment to hand him, his wallet back sitting it on the centre of the table; beside the official documents in front of him and that she had kept - the social security card.
As he now lifted the wallet, the blue ocean eyes glinting into his. As he replied, his tone giving a hint of annoyance:
'Ma'am what has that, to do with any of this?'
He tapped the documents in front of him his features turning to a scowl. His brown eyes meeting the blue ocean ones, as the red-head's tone turned decisive:
'Everything Nick and you played smart; out of fear more than anything. For even with this social security number you're hardly on the system.'
Her tone for the first time completely hitting the mark - as the brown eyes now looked square into her own; with the nervousness in his movements still being there. As she pushed back her emotions stating instead, the facts which had been pivotal to Grissom:
'You formed a pattern Nick, the same as you've done right here in Dallas; for you've come in here every second day since you arrived.'
His head rose, the red-head not stopping:
'It was how we located you Nick but it goes beyond that; plus it's a little more tricky getting work round here, than what you've been used too.'
She paused.
Her thoughts for a moment turning inwards; to the two days she had spent here in Dallas with locating him being the easy part. As she now carefully merged her thoughts - going for the wider scale:
'You drifted Nick keeping your head down, not staying long in any one place; and you took any job you could get.'
The red-head stopped, the move taking him off guard slightly. As she gave his rucksack at his foot a gentle kick:
'Don't have very many belonging's either Nicky'
The blue eyes flared - and that it had been the second time she had called him by that name; as his gaze like hers fell at that moment, to the official documents in front of him:
'It was the back waters of the middle states, where we found your trail though in South Dakota more to the point; and nobody forgets someone with good looks in a hurry either Nick.'
She smiled seeing her words have an effect. As the handsome set features turned to a frown as she now looped her thoughts and what Gil, was yet unaware off:
'You've made your way slowly south Nick through the great plains; and you did not let anyone get close but you still managed to leave a trail and an impression'
The red-head sent him a glance - the look in the ocean blue eyes saying something more, as the woman across from him, now picked up her pace touching the document on his left hand side:
'The information on here accounts for that Nick; and it's combined with the rest of your details.'
Her gaze moved his also, as the brown eyes for a moment briefly met hers - as she took the intuitive:
'Its names and addresses of people who you've stayed with; and there is one location, where you did stay for a length of time.'
The blue ocean eyes sent him a direct look. His gaze unable to divert off her, as the tone now deliberately sharpened:
'Just outside Jennings in Montana a small township; like most that you've stayed in Nick and you like the mountains.'
It was a direct statement not a question; as the red-head now cornered him:
'You don't remember how you received that gash to the side of your head Nick; but it was no accident that you turned up in Montana when you did.'
The brown warm eyes turned to shear innocence at that moment. The look alone going straight to her heart; with him struggling with the vastness of what she was trying to tell him.
As she now linked something of importance feeling her voice give way:
'Ewan Scott Carnahan saved you're live Nick.'
There was a brief pause. The words sending him into free fall at that moment; as the red-head regained her momentum:
'But he also lied to you. In the same way he did to the local authorities at that time and its something almost six years past.'
The blue eyes locked on his. As tried to fully contemplate at that moment. What she was trying to tell him his gaze swooping at that…
To what was in front of him scanning the official documents further and that he knew the individual she was talking about as his features – darkened, no longer taking her at her word and that he was fighting her.
With words which even to his ears, lacked conviction:
'Ma'am I don't concern you.'
The brown eyes gave her a direct look the response - unhinged, as she now stopped him in his tracks.
Aware of what route the Texan across from her was about to try and take:
'You're strong Nick plus you don't give up easy; and the head trauma from that gash on your head, explains a lot'
Her gaze sliding to the visible mark on his left wrist at that moment; before her blue eyes lifted her thoughts linking together and merging, her tone softer than before:
'For its why, you don't remember Nick.'
As she now carefully paved her words; interlinking what she did know, for it was tied to Ewan Carnahan:
'And it was the frontal lobe where the most physiological damage was done.'
The delicate features turned sombre, the blue eyes soft her steady gaze staying on him with him hanging by a moment - on her next words. With there gaze meeting in a silent gesture. As Catherine Grissom now hurtled one last comment at him.
The blue ocean eyes reflecting of his:
'It was a bad memory which brought you back here to Dallas though Nick; and you do remember something.'
The brown eyes dimmed seeing new pain, as she merged fact:
'For it was from an incident which happened; in your childhood, a triggered memory.'
He flinched; as the blue ocean eyes stayed firm. With his gaze falling at that moment to the CSI card she had given him. He gazed at it for a long second before looking back up and that she had once more spoken the truth – as he nodded.
His gaze diverting off her at that moment, the colour draining from his features as anxiety crept back through him. With the red-head now skilfully, manoeuvring her point lightening the situation:
'You told me about it once Nick and I was born in Montana.'
He gave her a look, aware it was the first time she had given him anything else about herself; with the woman across from him not letting go of the cord, she had struck as she now pulled on it - fore-fitting him at the same time:
'It's ok partner and there is something you have the right to know Nick.'
His brown eyes turned serious; there gaze linking with, the red-head breaching her point before he could speak:
'And it involves how you got that scar on your left temple'
The handsome set features slowly tensed, her words dying away in that moment, the brown soft eyes; revealing there depths - as her gaze fell to the official document in front of her.
The official document in his name; her thought's pivoting at that:
With the words coming slowly at first her tone unfamiliar, before cascading…
As he listened - taking in her every word.
With the blue ocean eyes distant - away in another time and place the red-head no longer, seeming to see him. As the red-head's professional manner now gave way completely; and what shone in those, ocean blue eyes.
How much it was costing her to tell him this - as the slender hand once more linked with his. His hand not moving for a second before again resisting, as he with drew his hand from hers.
His look hardening also as, the red-head's blue ocean eyes locked with his at that moment.
Tears shone in them as she reached out in a different way:
'It was you're apartment Nick'
His brown eyes stayed on her. Looking for a hint that it might be otherwise as he swallowed; aware that it was not going to be, as his gaze drifted for a moment to the brunette waitress who had served them – with the brunette lifting the food he had left.
The red-head's gaze in the same place; as they turned back in the same moment, feeling himself tense up. His gaze for a moment more, drifting at that as he looked around him taking in the décor; and the atmosphere of this small cafe.
As he now slowly lifted the fountain pen from, it's place. This time keeping it in his hand as he sent her a look, picking his words carefully and voicing the only thing he could:
'Go on?'
The tone was matter of fact. Tension cutting the air between them in that moment as the brown eyes burned deep, into hers. As she now picked off seeing the raw emotion heighten on those handsome set features.
With the words coming - unabated this time.
As a look of shock crossed into the handsome features and settled in the brown warm eyes before - halting there. The brown soft eyes meeting her own at that; as she now forced her-self to continue…
….The blue eyes interlinking with his at that moment, with the sounds of the café becoming distant once again. As he concentrated on what she was trying her best to tell him, his gaze falling slowly at that to the information in front of him.
Filtering it in the same way as he was her words; as he butted in again somehow knowing where she was heading:
'You found who, was responsible?'
The brown eyes glinted into hers; and that he was waiting on her answering….
As her thoughts for a moment turned inwards, to what had encompassed this investigation from the start law and justice and that it was, something she could see at this moment in a different way.
Even though he did not know himself - for it was there in those warm brown eyes and handsome set features; for it was part of him, and always had been and that it was something - he was unaware off now….
…..With law and justice, forever running deep in the Stokes blood and even with what had been revealed to them now. What Gil had shed light upon; the dual social security numbers, and what she herself had, dug up…..
Her trail taking her to Ewan Scott Carnahan, a man now held under jurisdiction by the Montana authorities and would remain so, with what little she had gained from him; only leaving her with more questions….
Plus what was combined with that, something which had foreshadowed them; that private and confidential data both medical and personal had been kept off the system and that even at this moment, she did not hold all the pieces to this puzzle…
Her thoughts interceding - at that.
To where they had delved long ago to Tom Stokes; too the primaries of Nick's live and his family, too what had happened in his childhood and one Matthew Garrett, a man know dead and who had died behind bars….
As she came to the present at that moment looking deep, into the brown eyes as she answered him fully:
'You went missing shortly after your father's death Nick; we thought there was a connection, it ended up being that there was.'
She hesitated, balancing her next words:
'Matthew Garrett was a friend of the family and your father.'
As she now curtailed her words:
'He played a part Nick in what happened to you and we thought he worked alone.'
The blue ocean eyes were infused; and that she was holding something else back. Not giving him the whole picture; protecting him in someway also, as he now responded looking at the silver ring on his finger at that moment.
Summoning the words:
'Why, me Catherine?'
The tone hit her heart, the brown eyes searching her and that his response was nothing less than what she could have expected and what she her self knew. That he had been meant to suffer - as she at that moment.
Reached out taking the cold gentle strong hand, once more into hers; for a moment not saying anything as she looked at the hand linked in her own. With his hand staying in place, as she looked up taking in the handsome features her gaze staying where it was.
As her thoughts glided back, and that it was human nature that had strung this investigation; with it being the work of someone within the law who had done this to him, as she found her voice:
'You are you're fathers son Nick'
The hand in his added slight pressure and that there was something else in that statement - as the warmth of her touch flooded through him, the red-head continuing:
'Matthew Garrett had motive and reason enough to harm you for that.'
Her blue ocean eyes closed for a second.
The memory returning - as she opened her eyes looking into the brown still eyes as she gave him something more:
'The little evidence we had at the time pointed to him and he did not deny it; for he took responsibility Nick.'
Catherine Grissom sent him a glance, there gaze linking as he let the fountain pen in his other hand fall. His voice barely audible; as he threw in something she had said:
'There was someone else though?'
It was a question within a question; and that the look of fear which had been there earlier, was back in the brown soft eyes as she nodded in answer no longer trusting her own voice…
The hand gently - releasing from his at that moment.
With the move being irregular as he sent her a look; and the growing feeling of unease within him, that red-head was not going to give him too much else, on what she had just stated…….
His gaze falling for a moment before lifting at that; and that he could not let it go as his tone rebounded, going on his own inkling at that moment:
'You still don't know who it is, do you?'
The brown eyes changing there intensity – the question direct as her gaze took in the nervousness of his demeanour and that this investigation in his name….
What had brought her here to Dallas was; once more wide open - and that Ewan Carnahan an individual who she had spoken too closely and who like Matthew Garrett before him - was a man of high standing and trust. Plus what clouded her now, for that same reason….
….For it was making her question, her better judgement that Ewan Carnahan a man who took his profession seriously; had loitered up to quickly….with the information he had provided them with, the key part he had played - and of what he knew about the Texan in front of her coming too freely.
With him having no major connection to - Matthew Garrett either….
As she looked deep into the brown still eyes - off the man across from her.
Her gaze resting there protectively before looking at the Social Security Card at that moment – something now part of there hard evidence, as she laid it carefully into the front of the file, her thoughts staying on it for a moment more and that how Nick had turned up in Montana in the first place was still a mystery….
With Ewan Carnahan's role; never the less being inter-grail….
….With the native born New Yorker giving them something more - something that the Dallas authorities were following up at this moment and was directly linked to Nick; and that there only link in the chain, had not only worked in the state of Montana and the city of New York….
He had worked here in Dallas for a time; before moving to one other major city, the city he had ended up moving from. With his late wife to Montana - with it being that in it's self which was causing her most concern….
That it was an avenue they had not investigated yet.
With the underlying fact something she only felt that Ewan Carnahan was keeping the lid on something - and that it was inconsequential too what they already had…..
For it was something revealed to them now; and linked to the past…..
That she was for the first time able to put the dagger in one man's hands - with the pieces, the evidence that she held at this moment pointing in only one direction and that it was a double edged sword…..
….With the vulnerable strong man whose brown warm eyes were focused on her at this moment; unable to tell her anything more - that he did not remember and that it was one thing she was thankful for…...
As her thoughts tapered; halting there on that thought and that that it was the individual across from her - at this moment. That was off the most concern, as she responded.
Thinking of her husband – the man she loved and the individual who like her had never given up hope, in that same moment:
'You still think like a CSI.'
The blue eyes glanced his way the red-head sending him a half smile, he ignored it and that she had not answered his question. As the independent woman across from him; shifted him a different look this time:
'I need you to come with me Nick.'
His head swung up; the blue ocean eyes looked directly into his. His gaze shifting back off her at that moment seeing the faces of customers around him; with the cafe starting to fill up and what he was aware off.
That they had been here for some time, longer than he had thought as he reflected on those last words of hers; the palm of his hand coming to rest on the document on his left hand side.
His brown eyes falling to the fountain pen his gaze staying there; as he voiced his thoughts:
'Are you always this direct ma'am?'
She smiled taking in the look across the handsome features, feeling fresh pain also in that moment as she looked deep into those brown innocent eyes, her thoughts turning inwards at that moment…… and that if they were to find any kind of closure now - it would be in a different way as she answered him.
Playing along:
'Always Nick'
The blue ocean eyes locked on his; there gaze remaining level and that the ball was back in his court, with the red-head not hesitating. As she carefully without question; lifted the two documents in front of him, putting them back in the official file in front of her.
As he looked at what was left in front of him; the note paper with his signature along with the older signature. The red-head lifting the CSI three card also, at that moment. His hand touching the note paper as he lifted the sheets handing them across to her:
'I guess you'll be, needing this.'
It was a statement; his features turning serious as the red-head took the note paper, without saying anything. There gaze meeting at that moment.
The ice blue ocean eyes looking through him and that it was; his choice - that she was not forcing him into it. As his brown eyes stayed where they were; the feeling innate within him now, that she was only trying to help him.
As he touched the scar on his temple; his brown eyes closing for a second before drawing open. The blue ocean eyes giving him a glance and that there was a look of concern and pain there - as his brown eyes fell to the one thing left sitting between.
The fountain pen which she had given him - and that she had left him hanging…..
As he, slowly reached out.
The smaller hand reaching out at that same moment, as his brown eyes lifted.
Meeting the blue ocean one's and that she had won him over.
His gaze falling to the hand gently linked within his.
With nothing being said; only what passed between them in that moment and that she had his trust. As the hand gently released from his - the warm touch gone from him as he slowly at that moment lifted the fountain pen.
Clipping it carefully, into the top left hand pocket of his green checked shirt and that it lay at his heart, feeling the cool of it coming through the thin shirt onto him. As he now lifted his baseball hat - putting it on.
There gaze locking and that it needed no words.
With the red-head rising at that - gathering her things his gaze falling to her bag at that moment; as he snatched another look at the photo there and that the blue eyes were back on him.
His features reddening slightly as he politely dropped his gaze the red-head picking up on it though as she sent him a smile, not commenting though. As she now followed her own agenda - and that she was waiting on him.
With his brown eyes glancing around him for a moment before he reached for the rucksack, his movements slow as he rose, adjusting him-self aware off other people's eyes on him; as the red-head came up beside him, the blue eyes sending him a friendly, glance as they fell into step.
His gaze falling to the floor till they reached the door - with Catherine Grissom, letting him go first as they stepped out into the mid-day Dallas sun. The rays hitting him as he stood taking a breath in the clear air, feeling the red-head touch his arm.
As he looked around him; aware of her touch as his brown eyes swept first to the residential housing, then to the mall, nothing had changed. His gaze going beyond that though; to the disused church and that something had changed.
He could see children playing there; and that the red-heads gaze was in the same place. As his brown soft eyes moved the blue eyes for a moment coming to meet his, before the red-head made a move.
Her arm linking through his; protectively - as he let her do so, there gaze meeting; with the red head speaking, for the first time since they had left the cafe:
'You have family here in Dallas Nick.'
The blue eyes cooled the red-head not adding anything more; as he sent her a look, his gaze falling as he closed his brown warm eyes for a second, before slowly opening them - the fragments of memories not moving as he took a breath, feeling his heart pounding.
As he read between the lines of her words:
'It's not the only reason why you want me to come with you though.'
His brown soft eyes stayed on her; silence filling the void between them and that he was withdrawing for her. As the red-head gripped his arm tighter, as a mother would a child.
The blue ocean eyes cascading at that moment:
'I think we'll need to get you cleaned up a little first Nicky before we do anything'
As the red-heads tone now turned coy:
'And there is a lot we need to sort out in one way or other; and your signature was just for starters.'
It was a statement off two halves his gaze dropping to the jeans and checked shirt and that she was giving him a wry smile. As he gave her a blank look his hand touching the stubble of his jaw line.
Looking again at the red-head as his thoughts turned inward for a moment; and that she was the type that he ought to remember - even though he in no way could….
As his brown eyes lifted there gaze meeting; as Catherine Grissom sent him a grin. The red-head taking a step forward, as he slowly fell into step beside her. His gaze shifting to look at her occasionally, as the red-head pace increased.
Before they came to a sharp halt and that they had not walked far.
His brown warm eyes lifting and that he recognised what he was looking at - it was the familiar landmark that he had passed on his way to the café, as his brown eyes fell to the two flags which stood adjacent, his gaze studying them closer this time.
With them bellowing in the light breeze which swept over them, as he looked at the official building that they were in front off, his brown intense eyes taking in the ensigncy's on the entrance – and what he did not need told that law and justice was this building purpose.
As he turned to face her, his tone questioning:
'Catherine?'
The sharp edge was gone from the tone; the sound of her name coming gently to her ears as her blue eyes closed for a second before opening them; looking at the strong vulnerable man who stood close beside her.
Her thoughts entwining at that moment; answering the question which she knew was paramount to him at this moment:
'When you left A& M College you worked here, it's where you got you're foot in the door Nick and it's where we're going now so as I can keep an eye on you.'
He swallowed and that she had left no room for argument.
His hand touching the silver ring on his right hand at that moment thinking about all that had been said between them; as his brown eyes fell to the United States flag, the stars and stripes on it knowing there meaning as - his gaze stayed focused on that flag for a long moment.
Before slowly moving to the flag of this state; his brown eyes resting on the lone star, before his gaze shifted back to Catherine Grissom. The fine features softening beside him and that it had been as though she had been reading his every thought.
As his thoughts penetrated seeing the look in the blue eyes of the independent woman beside him and that he was under this woman's protection as his brown eyes focused on her and that it was not only that.
That she had left a lot unsaid in more ways than one - and that for whatever else was to come, whatever he had let himself in for…..
It was the red-head beside him who was pulling the shots - his gaze at that once more taking in her rare beauty; and that she meant him no harm as he pulled the sleeve down to once more cover the mark on his left wrist.
As the red-head now stepped forward - not giving him any further chance to back out or change his mind, as she gently touched his shoulder.
Tracing the length of his arm before linking her arm back through his at that moment and that she was trying to keep him calm; as he took a breath, feeling the last of the heat from the bright Dallas sun, as they walked slowly into the darkened building…..
TO BE CONTINUED
P.S The Watch, Gil & everyone else is in the next two chapters & the cliff hanger plus was this any good?
Jennifer Jean Kirkland